Bristol, PA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Chapter 10, Part 5 of the Bristol Borough Code, titled Excessive Noise, starts in § 10-501 by prohibiting the creation within the Borough of Bristol of any unnecessary or excessive noise, or noise of such character, intensity or duration as to be detrimental to the health or safety of any individual or a disturbance of the public peace and welfare. Section 10-502, subsection 1.B, then applies that to music and sound equipment: the playing of any radio, phonograph, tape or disc player or any musical instrument in such a manner or with such volume as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of persons in any office, hospital or any dwelling, hotel or other type of residence, or of any persons in the vicinity.

The enforceable yardstick is distance. It is a violation if the sound level is audible at a distance greater than 100 feet from the location of the player or instrument. Part 5 prints no decibel figure and no hour window for music; the only time-based noise rule in § 10-502 is the 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. limit on running or idling a parked truck within 300 feet of a residential zone. Related provisions cover yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on public streets so as to disturb residences, and excessive noise on any street adjacent to a school, institution of learning, church or court while in session.

Section 10-503 exempts parades with band music on holidays or by civic organizations, churches, schools or divisions of schools; school sports events; the reasonable use of amplifiers or loud speakers in the course of public addresses that are noncommercial in character; fireworks exhibits held under permit by the Borough of Bristol; and Borough vehicles and personnel on necessary public business or emergencies. A person who needs relief on the basis of undue hardship applies to the Borough Manager under § 10-504. The permit states every condition and a reasonable effective time, and the Manager must find that additional time is needed, that the noise is temporary, and that no other reasonable alternative is available.